Quick Facts on Cecelia

Characteristics of Cecelia

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Etymology & Historical Origin - Cecelia

Cecelia is a variant spelling of Cecilia, derived from the Latin Caecilía which is the feminine form of the Old Roman family name Caecilius. Caecilius comes from the Latin word “caecus” which means “blind” and developed as a byname for a Roman plebeian family who dated back to the 5th century B.C. The Plebs were free landowning Roman citizens and fell somewhere between the slaves and the elite Patricians in terms of their socio-political position. The ancient Caecilius family traced their ancestry to a Roman mythological figure, Caeculus (known as “little blind boy”), who was a son of Vulcan, god of fire. Legend has it that Caeculus was born of Vulcan’s spark, found on a hearth and raised among shepherds. The boy showed mastery over fire, but the smoke caused damage to his eyes which resulted in them being smaller than normal (hence his moniker: little blind one). Caeculus is also credited as the founder of Praeneste, an ancient city east of Rome. An alternative tradition claimed that the Caecilii were descended from Caecas, who had accompanied Aeneas to Italy after the Greeks sacked Troy. By the 3rd century B.C., a member of the Caecilius family obtained consulship, the highest elected office in the Roman Republic. The name Cecilia was mainly popularized during the middle ages, in homage to the 2nd century Saint Cecilia (Latin: Sancta Caecilia). Cecilia refused to worship the Roman gods during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, and so was martyred after being tortured, suffocated and finally beheaded. She is the patron saint of music and musicians because as she lay dying she was said to be singing to God. As with many early saints, Cecilia became quite legendary in the Middle Ages and so the name was bestowed upon children in her honor. The French brought Cécile to England via the Norman Conquest of 1066. The English commonly spelled the name Cecily until the 18th century when the Latinate Cecilia came into favor. Cecelia is another spelling variant used primarily by English-speakers.

Popularity of the Name Cecelia

Cecelia has not fared as well on the charts recently as the more commonly spelled Cecilia. If you’re familiar with the Simon & Garfunkel song “Cecilia”, Paul Simon wrote it as an ode to the 3rd century patron saint of music in an effort to conjure up his songwriting talents. However, Cecelia was the preferred spelling for Americans in the earlier part of the 20th century before being replaced by the Cecilia spelling. There was a point in the late 1970s when Cecelia disappeared from the charts altogether but she has since made a modest return. In any case, both names sound exactly the same so it really comes down to spelling preference. This is a darling name and strongly associated with music thanks to the patron saint. Cicely, Cecily, Cissy, and Sis are all potential nicknames and pet forms.

Popularity of the Girl Name Cecelia

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Cultural References to the Baby Name - Cecelia

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Cecelia

Cecelia We cannot find any significant literary characters with the first name Cecelia.

Popular Songs on Cecelia

Cecelia - We cannot find any popular or well-known songs featuring the name Cecelia (see Cecilia).

Children's Books on the Baby Name Cecelia

Sorcery and Cecelia (Patricia Wrede) - A great deal is happening in London this season. For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at Sir Hilary's induction into the Royal College of Wizards. (Since when does hot chocolate burn a hole straight through one's dress?!) Then there's Dorothea. Is it a spell that's made her the toast of the town--or could it possibly have something to do with the charm-bag under Oliver's bed? And speaking of Oliver, just how long can Cecelia and Kate make excuses for him? Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is! The girls might think it all a magical nightmare…if only they weren't having so much fun. Recommended for ages 10-14.

Cecelia - Girl Baby Name - Historic Figures

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Personality of the Girl Name Cecelia

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.